Kangaroos prop Pat Carrigan says he would have been travelling alongside good mate Liam Hampson if not for his World Cup duties after an emotional performance in the Redcliffe player’s honour.
Carrigan wore “Hampo” on his wrist tape in Australia’s 84-0 thumping of Scotland in Coventry while the Kangaroos sported black armbands to mark Hampson’s passing earlier this week, the news of his death rocking Carrigan and his teammates in the UK.
Pat Carrigan.Credit:Getty
The Brisbane forward was moved to tears during an emotional pre-game tribute to the 24-year-old who was found dead in a Barcelona nightclub. The grim discovery followed a frantic search and social media appeal from his travelling companions, Titans star AJ Brimson and Broncos pair Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars among them.
“We’d been tossing up a Europe trip for a while, if I wasn’t here I would’ve been there with the boys,” Carrigan said.
“That was tough to handle because I followed [their trip] pretty closely. We’re all really close mates.
“We grew up playing footy against each other, we’re the same age and we’ve got a little crew of mates – some outside footy from the Goldy and some of the Titans boys.
Patrick Carrigan’s arm.Credit:Getty
“He was an awesome mate of mine. He’ll be remembered as a competitor on and off the footy field. He was only a little guy but he brought a lot of joy to our friendship group and helped us get away from footy and realise the bigger picture in life.
“It’s really tough to see not only what his family are going to have to go through but also some of the lads we are close with.”
Carrigan was one of Australia’s best-performed forwards in the early stages against the Bravehearts and has put forth a strong case to be in Mal Meninga’s best 17 in his first two international appearances.
News of Hampson’s death was delivered as he and the Kangaroos arrived at a civic reception in Coventry leading into the game. With support from every single member of Australia’s touring party, Carrigan said his intention was to always take the field and play in Hampson’s honour.
“I just wanted to play,” he said.
“Not only as a showing for his family and the guys but also to give back to these guys too.
“There were 24 of them plus the coaching staff who all sent me message when I was in my room and I think it speaks a lot about the group that we’ve got here and to the character as well.
“They’re special footy players and better people. There’s not one bit of the last couple of days that I’ve felt alone and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and a tough week but there’s no place I’d rather be. The boys here have made me feel like [I’m in] a little family, constantly checking in on me.”
